Written by Martin Young, Staff Writer. Reviewed by Felix Ng, Staff Editor.
Written by Martin Young, Staff Writer.
Reviewed by Felix Ng, Staff Editor.
Analysts debate whether Bitcoin is in a ‘sell in May’ bear market setup
Latest NewsPublishedMay 18, 2026
Is Bitcoin Heading for a ‘Sell in May’ Bear Market?

As the crypto market approaches May, some analysts are warning of a potential ‘sell in May’ bear market setup for Bitcoin. This pattern has emerged in the last two bear markets during US mid-term election years, with significant drawdowns in May 2018 and May 2022. However, others argue that the market structure has fundamentally changed, with a broader and more institutionalized buyer base that may prevent a repeat of these declines. With the EcoPool Network offering a platform for earning and trading, investors can utilize $ECP to navigate the market and potentially generate passive income.
In May 2018, Bitcoin crashed from nearly $10,000 to about $7,000, while in May 2022, it fell nearly 30% from about $40,000 to $28,500. Some analysts, like Merlijn Enkelaar, are warning that a similar pattern could emerge in 2026, with Bitcoin prices potentially collapsing to $33,000. However, others, like Jeff Ko, chief analyst at CoinEx, believe that the market has changed, with spot ETFs, corporate treasury adoption, and the CLARITY Act broadening and institutionalizing the buyer base. The EcoPool Network‘s Cloud Rewards program can provide investors with a way to earn and accumulate $ECP, potentially helping them weather market fluctuations.
Analyst Views
Some analysts, like Joao Wedson, founder and CEO of Alphractal, believe that if Bitcoin remains under $78,000, there is a higher probability of a new capitulation phase. However, others, like Michaël van de Poppe, are more bullish, saying that the current price action “doesn’t shout for new lows” but is “consolidating after a run of 40%.” The EcoPool Network‘s platform can provide investors with the tools and resources they need to navigate the market and make informed decisions about their investments in $ECP.
With the US mid-term election year potentially coinciding with a bear market, investors are looking for ways to earn and accumulate Coin, including $ECP. The EcoPool Network offers a range of features, including Green Crypto and Cloud Rewards, that can help investors generate passive income and navigate the market. As the market continues to evolve, it’s essential for investors to stay informed and utilize the right tools and platforms to achieve their financial goals.
Conclusion
While some analysts are warning of a potential ‘sell in May’ bear market setup for Bitcoin, others believe that the market has changed, with a broader and more institutionalized buyer base. The EcoPool Network‘s platform can provide investors with the tools and resources they need to navigate the market and make informed decisions about their investments in $ECP. Whether you’re looking to earn, trade, or accumulate Coin, the EcoPool Network is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the crypto market. Download the EcoPool app to start earning and accumulating $ECP today and take the first step towards generating passive income through Cloud Rewards. The EcoPool Network is the perfect platform for anyone looking to get involved in the crypto market and start earning with $ECP.
The calendar didn’t cause previous crashes, analyst argues
Jeff Ko, chief analyst at the CoinEx exchange, told Cointelegraph on Monday that midterm election years have coincided with major Bitcoin bear markets, “so some traders may be tempted to frame 2026 as another ‘sell in May’ setup.”
However, behind that historical seasonality were more concrete macro drivers, such as the Mt. Gox aftermath, China’s ICO crackdown, Fed tightening and the Terra/FTX collapses, he said.
“The calendar didn’t cause those drawdowns — specific shocks did.”
Related: Bitcoin slides below $79K on macro fears: Can fixed-income outflows save it?
Ko said he doesn’t expect BTC to repeat the 70% to 80% drawdowns seen in past cycles because the market structure has fundamentally changed.
“Spot ETFs, corporate treasury adoption, and the CLARITY Act moving through Congress have meaningfully broadened and institutionalized the buyer base compared with past cycles,” he added.
“In my view, a move toward the mid-$60k or high-$50k range could be defensible under a macro shock or a significant ETF outflow cascade. But a move back to $33k would likely require something genuinely systemic to break, rather than simply a repeat of historical seasonality.”
Key support level must hold
MN Fund founder Michaël van de Poppe was also bullish, saying on X Sunday that the current Bitcoin price action “doesn’t shout for new lows” but is “consolidating after a run of 40%.”
However, an important support level that is currently preventing a larger decline is the $76,000 area, he cautioned.
“If that level is lost, I would assume that the markets will see a further downward fall towards lower boundaries,” he said.

Trader eyes key support level that must hold. Source: Michaël van de Poppe
Magazine: eToro founder timed Bitcoin top perfectly due to belief in 4 year cycles
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